HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-01-AC-min 04/01/15 AC Minutes
Minutes
Town of Lexington Appropriation Committee (AC)
April 1, 2015
Place and time- Lexington High School, Room 221, 7 00 p.m
Members present Glenn Parker, Chair, John Bartenstem, Vice Chair and Secretary; Alan Levine,
Beth Masterman, Susan McLeish, Eric Michelson, Richard Neumeier, Andrei Radulescu-Banu
Members absent Mollie Garberg; Rob Addelson, (non-voting, ex officio)
Other attendees None
The meeting was called to order at 7 05 p.m.
1 Announcements.
• Mr Parker reported that he and Mr Levine will be representing the Committee at a mini-
summit being planned by the Town Manager The mini-summit will address expectations for
follow-up dunng the coming months on the appropriation made at Special Town Meeting#1 for
school capital projects
• Mr Michelson reported that on Apnl 2 there will be a public meeting to discuss capital plans
to replace the Minuteman Regional Technical High School
2. 2015 Annual Town Meeting (ATM)Articles.
• Article 11 (c). Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment; Storm
Drainage Improvements and NPDES Compliance and Article 14. Appropriate for Water
System Improvements. Mr Parker reported that the motions for these capital projects have been
revised to reflect a change in the funding source The appropriations will now include unused
funds from past appropriations It was agreed that further clanfication is required to determine
whether the Committee needs to take another vote on this article
• Article 11 (a). Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment; Center
Streetscape Improvements and Easements —Phase 1. Mr Michelson stated that he previously
supported this Article, but now opposes it. He is concerned about the installation of a traffic signal
at the Massachusetts Avenue, Winthrop Road, and Woburn Street intersection. Mr Michelson
reported that there are efforts being pursued by others in Town to develop an approach to address
the intersection's safety issues without an intrusive traffic signal The signalization issue is
particularly relevant because there are proposals to install signals at three other intersections
between Lexington Center and East Lexington, so many signals could change the character of the
Town along the eastern approach to the center He noted that he would support a motion to
indefinitely postpone the Article Further discussion indicated that others want to be sure the safety
concerns are addressed, but may wish to change their votes after the Town Meeting presentation.
With Mr Michelson's opposition, the current vote on Article 11(a) is 8-1
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04/01/15 AC Minutes
• Article 44. Resolution on Fossil Fuel Divestment(Citizen Article). Mr Parker reported
that the motion for this Article has been changed significantly to make it less onerous The motion
now asks the Town to research its holdings over the next five years to determine whether there are
reasonable and responsible changes that could be made to slowly reduce the Town's investments in
fossil fuels Ms Masterman spoke in favor of the Article, urging others to consider the importance
of sending a message to fossil fuel companies Since this Article will not come before the ATM
this week, the Committee plans to discuss it further at subsequent meetings before voting on the
revised motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 7 30 p.m
The documents used at the meeting are listed below
Respectfully submitted,
Sara Arnold
Recording Secretary
Approved July 9, 2015
Exhibits
1 Agenda, posted by Glenn Parker
2 April 1, 2015 Email from Glenn Parker regarding Revised Motions using Unexpended Proceeds
3 March 25, 2015 Email from Glenn Parker regarding Article 44, Fossil Fuel Divestment
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